Professional swimmer Archie Goodburn, who has terminal brain cancer, has made an emotional appeal to Andy Burnham for more funding for brain cancer patients. The 25-year-old athlete, who recently competed at the Commonwealth Games, appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss the Rare Cancers Bill in a deeply moving interview.
Diagnosis and the bill's shortcomings
Goodburn was 22 when he was diagnosed with brain tumours that have spread in a way that makes them inoperable. He said the bill will not be enough to make the needed change, describing brain cancer as 'rare, but extremely deadly'.
'This frustrates me immensely,' he said, explaining that the bill creates two part-time roles covering 14 different cancers, including brain cancer. 'I do not see how 36 days a year is going to make that change for 14 different types of cancer, let alone the most deadly type of cancer,' he said with tears in his eyes.
A direct appeal to Andy Burnham
The Scottish 50m breaststroke record holder appealed directly to the Prime Minister, calling for help to ease the 'unbearable' suffering of brain cancer patients. 'Andy Burnham, if you believe and want to make a change and a difference to the future of our country and our young population, please listen to us,' Goodburn said, his hands shaking. 'Please establish a national brain cancer lead and give us a chance to fight for our lives because the things that patients are going through out there are unbelievable and so unjust.'
'There are clinical trials around the world, in the US, in Australia, in China, that could change lives. We are not seeing them in the UK and it is unfair and unjust,' he added.
Symptoms and personal experience
Brain cancer symptoms include headaches, seizures, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, memory problems, or paralysis on one side of the body. Before his diagnosis, Goodburn experienced seizures, numbness on his left side, and a sense of deja-vu.
'Please invest and make the difference. I'm on my knees begging for – not just my own life – but for those of my best friends and those that are affected and the families around the country. This has to change. It's been going on for too long and the suffering is unbearable,' he said, apologising for his emotion and describing the bill as a 'step in the right direction' but not enough.
Public and charity support
BBC Breakfast shared the clip on X, where it has been viewed by hundreds of thousands and received supportive messages from viewers, who said they were reduced to tears. The Walton Centre described the swimmer as 'inspirational' and shared his passion. The Brain Tumour Charity thanked Goodburn for raising awareness.
Brain Tumour Research commented: 'Thank you for continuing to use your voice, Archie. No one should have to fight a brain tumour knowing so little research has been done. The Rare Cancers Bill is an important step, but now we need sustained investment to turn hope into better treatments and ultimately, cures.'
After finishing seventh at the Commonwealth Games, Goodburn spoke poolside of his dream for 'a future where brain cancer isn't the biggest killer of patients under 40'. Metro contacted the Prime Minister's office for comment.
